Easter is fast approaching and most dog owners should be aware that chocolate is toxic to dogs. As little as 13g of dark chocolate could kill a 10kg dog and prompt veterinary attention is advised if any chocolate is eaten at all.

Veterinary surgeons across Newcastle and the North East often find a surge in chocolate toxicity cases from pets over the Easter period as dogs steal or are fed chocolate.

Chocolate contains the chemical theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Some chocolate also contains other toxins to dogs such as peanuts, raisins or coffee beans.

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What happens?

Usually signs include a painful tummy, vomiting, drooling, drinking excessively and increased urination. Some more severe cases can also see excitability, changes to the heart and uncoordinated movements. Kidney failure, arrhythmias, rigid muscles, seizures and ultimately death can occur in heavy, untreated toxicities.

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Does the kind of chocolate matter?

Dark chocolate is most toxic, followed by milk chocolate, followed by white chocolate. The amount of dark chocolate in one After Eight mint thin if consumed by a minature dachshund would require veterinary treatment. The toxicity of milk chocolate is slightly less, however, if half of one medium-sized milk chocolate egg shell were to be eaten by an average-sized Bedlington Terrier, it would be enough to require veterinary treatment.

What should I do?

Signs of toxicity are usually present within four hours of ingestion, but some can be delayed up to 24 hours. The earlier veterinary treatment is sought, the quicker treatment to remove the chocolate and provide support to prevent absorption of the toxins can be given.

I urge pet owners to ensure that any chocolate this Easter is kept out of reach of pets and if any accidents occur, contact your vet as soon as possible for advice.

Taz from Gateshead, dressed up for Easter and under strict instructions not to eat any chocolate

If you do contact your vet it is very helpful to have information on the type of chocolate that was consumed, approximately how much has been consumed, how long ago and an approximate weight for your pet. Advice can then be given and the correct equipment and medications prepared at the surgery for your pet to be administered quickly if necessary.

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What about dog treats?

Unfortunately there are also dog treats available from UK high street shops that seem to be causing kidney dysfunction to our canine companions. There is strong evidence linking the consumption of jerky dog treats to a kidney condition known as Fanconi Syndrome.

Prompt diagnosis, elimination of the treats and supportive care is usually curative, however some of these dogs are so badly affected they require hospitalisation. Irreversible kidney damage has been reported and euthanasia can be the end result.

The syndrome has been reported in Australia and the US, with smaller numbers in the UK and Europe since 2007. Although no specific toxin has been identified, a common and recurring finding is the consumption of high levels of jerky treats with meat sources originating from China.

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Clinical signs tend to be vague and non-specific such as tiredness, decreased appetite, increased thirst and increased urination. It is an easy syndrome to exclude as affected dogs have a higher than normal level of glucose present in their urine but a normal blood glucose level.

Some studies have found jerky treats containing illegal levels of antibiotics and antiviral medications. Although this is worrying, there is currently no evidence that these contaminants are responsible for the illness in UK dogs.

If your dog gets jerky treats which you suspect may contain imported meat and have noticed these clinical signs, it would be advisable to make an appointment with your vet. I also recommend taking a urine sample for analysis.

Please note that advice in this section is for general guidance, and if your pet is very unwell you should contact your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible as this advice does not replace the need for a clinical examination of your pet.

Vet Rory Thomson, from St. Clair Veterinary Care, in Blyth

If you are a North East dog owner and have a question for Rory, please fill out this form:

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